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Echoes of an Angel: The Miraculous True Story of a Boy Who Lost His Eyes but Could Still See
When Ben Underwood became blind at the age of two, anyone would have thought he faced a life full of hardship and uphill challenges--a world full of things he'd never be able to see and activities he'd never be able to enjoy. But as far as his mom, Aquanetta Gordon, was concerned, nothing was impossible for Ben . . . and so he accomplished the incredible.
Known as "the boy who could see with sound," Ben mastered human echolocation--the ability to detect the size, shape and location of objects through the reflection of sound waves. By clicking his tongue and "seeing" the waves,
Ben could ride his bike, shoot baskets, identify objects, and even play video games. Some called it a miracle, but to Ben and Aqua, the real miracles were the otherworldly experiences God gave Ben--physical and spiritual--that others couldn't explain.
Echoes of an Angel is the remarkable true story of how a child who seemed destined for darkness brought light to the world. It's the story of a single mom who encouraged her son to push beyond his limits, even as her heart clenched with protective love and fear. And it's the story of a family's unshakable faith . . . in God and each other.
Known as "the boy who could see with sound," Ben mastered human echolocation--the ability to detect the size, shape and location of objects through the reflection of sound waves. By clicking his tongue and "seeing" the waves,
Ben could ride his bike, shoot baskets, identify objects, and even play video games. Some called it a miracle, but to Ben and Aqua, the real miracles were the otherworldly experiences God gave Ben--physical and spiritual--that others couldn't explain.
Echoes of an Angel is the remarkable true story of how a child who seemed destined for darkness brought light to the world. It's the story of a single mom who encouraged her son to push beyond his limits, even as her heart clenched with protective love and fear. And it's the story of a family's unshakable faith . . . in God and each other.
296 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
33 people are currently reading
500 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
July 12, 2015
5 stars for Ben, 1 star for the book. Ben is definitely a role model and lived a fantastic, meaningful life. However, Echoes of an Angel doesn't do him justice. Much of this book was Aquanetta Gordon trying to explain/pass away bad parenting. First she had her children taken from her because she was a homeless drug addict. Yet she insists that she was capable of caring for her children. I'm sorry, but how can you care for them when you are out doing drugs and high much of the time? Then with Ben she is sober and working yet passes off bad parenting as people-don't-like-the-blind. She continuously dismissed his doctor's advice, put him at risk, made him sick, etc. but blamed it all on people trying to hold Ben back. She also dismissed teachers and other professionals whose jobs were to help Ben achieve academic and life success. One professional wanted Ben to learn how to use a cane because he would use one as an adult. Gordon was furious and asked the professional how he would know. Maybe because he has worked with blind people and knows that when Ben got older he may lose his hearing or have an accident? He wouldn't always be physically able to climb up a door and touch the ceiling as he had as a child or hear his clicks. In fact, Ben did lose some of his senses after a surgery which impacted how he saw the world around him. Even his most trusted helper thought that Ben should learn how to use a cane even if he didn't use it regularly. All of these things make me sad for Ben and come off as if Gordon wants a pat on her back for the great job she did. I only point these things out because Gordon chose to write this book and put all of this out there. It could have been better. I hope someone will write a biography about Ben that is 100% about him and less about his mother and her past.
October 24, 2014
I found this book while searching for other inspiration generates. When I stumbled upon this, I was intrigued by the title. I then read the synopsis and knew I had to read the boom. I am do glad I did. This is an amazing true story about Ben Underwood, a young man who lost both eyes due to Biolateral Retinobladtoma before the age of three. Did complete and total blindness stop this young man or shatter his faith? No... it did not - in fact, it made him stronger and more determined. With his mother's help and determination, Ben learned to "see" using his other senses, moved around and done just about everything you and I can do. He refused to allow blindness to limit him or stop him. I am so touched and inspired by this young man's story and I truly believe you will be too. Brilliantly written!
August 3, 2014
Echoes of an Angel by Aquanetta Gordon was frustrating to read. It’s about her son who went blind due to cancer, but learned to see by clicking. The first part of the book is just her story, not her son’s, & she has bad theology (God will “never put more on [her] than [she] could bear.”) She tries to rely on her own strength through her self-inflicted or random ordeals. The author ignored the doctors’ instructions on caring for her son with cancer time & time again. I stopped reading this book at the 25% mark because the author frustrated me so much.
June 4, 2014
i laughed, i cried. a must read.
June 21, 2020
I hadn't heard the story of Ben Underwood before picking up this book, but reading the summary fascinated me. I'd heard stories about blind people able to use echolocation to move about, but was curious to hear about it in more detail. And Ben's story is definitely inspiring and informative, and Ben himself sounds like a capable young man -- one who reminds me of a relative of my own who, though blind, is still able to live independently and do many things himself that others can't. But "Echoes of an Angel" comes across as TOO saccharine sometimes, and I fear it may actually do some harm to the disabled community.
Born to a single mother, Ben starts life as a perfectly normal toddler... until he's diagnosed with cancerous tumors in his eyes. He ends up losing both eyes before the age of three, devastating his mother Aquanetta... but Aquanetta is determined that Ben will live as normally as possible, and refuses to put limits on him. As Ben grows up, he shows a remarkable aptitude for being able to find his way about through echolocation -- to such a degree that he's even nicknamed Daredevil by some of his classmates. And as word of his abilities and his indestructible spirit spread, he attracts the attention of big names such as Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and Stevie Wonder.
Ben's story is a remarkable one, and it's amazing to see what he's capable of. Even without his sight he's able to ride a bike, run and play like a normal kid, and do remarkably well in his classes. He comes across as a delightful, happy kid, and there's plenty of humor in this book to offset some of the more emotional scenes. If you're simply looking for a quick inspiring read, you'll enjoy "Echoes."
However, I do have to wonder if this book would have benefited from being written by someone other than Ben's mother. I know, I know, she would know more about his life than anyone else... but at the same time, she writes as if Ben were a complete saint, perfect in every way and without a single flaw. Surely the kid had some grumpy days or some character flaws. And I get it, no one wants to speak ill of a disabled child, especially one with cancer... but still, there are times this book comes across as cloying and saccharine as a result.
Also, while I understand that Aquanetta felt it best for Ben to be raised like any other kid... Ben is a BIG exception to the rule. She rejects every form of help for her son, from a cane to a service dog to any sort of aid, feeling they'll hamper him more than help him. And that's fine -- for a kid like Ben, they aren't necessary. But Aquanetta seems convinced that these forms of aid are detrimental to ANY blind kid, and I fear that people will come away from this book feeling like blind people don't need ANY form of aid, and that all of them have the capacity to be like Ben. Sorry, but not all blind people have super-hearing and echolocation abilities -- some of them NEED canes and/or guide dogs to get around. I just hope people don't think Ben is representative of all blind kids after this...
I sound like a curmudgeon for not loving this book... and honestly, Ben's story is an uplifting one. It just gets overly sweet and syrupy after awhile, and makes Ben come across as so saintly and perfect that it gets obnoxious. Read this to learn more about Ben and what he was capable of, but understand that this is a slightly biased telling... and that not all blind people are as superhuman as Ben, and some of them DO need more than just echolocation to function.
Born to a single mother, Ben starts life as a perfectly normal toddler... until he's diagnosed with cancerous tumors in his eyes. He ends up losing both eyes before the age of three, devastating his mother Aquanetta... but Aquanetta is determined that Ben will live as normally as possible, and refuses to put limits on him. As Ben grows up, he shows a remarkable aptitude for being able to find his way about through echolocation -- to such a degree that he's even nicknamed Daredevil by some of his classmates. And as word of his abilities and his indestructible spirit spread, he attracts the attention of big names such as Ellen Degeneres, Oprah Winfrey, and Stevie Wonder.
Ben's story is a remarkable one, and it's amazing to see what he's capable of. Even without his sight he's able to ride a bike, run and play like a normal kid, and do remarkably well in his classes. He comes across as a delightful, happy kid, and there's plenty of humor in this book to offset some of the more emotional scenes. If you're simply looking for a quick inspiring read, you'll enjoy "Echoes."
However, I do have to wonder if this book would have benefited from being written by someone other than Ben's mother. I know, I know, she would know more about his life than anyone else... but at the same time, she writes as if Ben were a complete saint, perfect in every way and without a single flaw. Surely the kid had some grumpy days or some character flaws. And I get it, no one wants to speak ill of a disabled child, especially one with cancer... but still, there are times this book comes across as cloying and saccharine as a result.
Also, while I understand that Aquanetta felt it best for Ben to be raised like any other kid... Ben is a BIG exception to the rule. She rejects every form of help for her son, from a cane to a service dog to any sort of aid, feeling they'll hamper him more than help him. And that's fine -- for a kid like Ben, they aren't necessary. But Aquanetta seems convinced that these forms of aid are detrimental to ANY blind kid, and I fear that people will come away from this book feeling like blind people don't need ANY form of aid, and that all of them have the capacity to be like Ben. Sorry, but not all blind people have super-hearing and echolocation abilities -- some of them NEED canes and/or guide dogs to get around. I just hope people don't think Ben is representative of all blind kids after this...
I sound like a curmudgeon for not loving this book... and honestly, Ben's story is an uplifting one. It just gets overly sweet and syrupy after awhile, and makes Ben come across as so saintly and perfect that it gets obnoxious. Read this to learn more about Ben and what he was capable of, but understand that this is a slightly biased telling... and that not all blind people are as superhuman as Ben, and some of them DO need more than just echolocation to function.
April 22, 2014
Several years ago, a friend told me the story of a young boy who had lost both eyes, but was able to lead an amazing life due to the fact that he had developed the ability to “see” through echolocation. I was amazed, and the story has never left me.
I was so surprised when I had the opportunity to read and review Echoes of an Angel, the true story of Benjamin Underwood, the young man my friend had told me about those years ago! To say I was thrilled to know more about the story behind the boy with amazing echolocation skills would be an understatement.
From the very first page of Echoes of an Angel, I was touched. The story that Ben’s mother, Aquanetta Gordon, told was at once full of joy and heartbreak.
Born the fourth child of an unwed mother in California, Ben grew up in government housing on welfare, in a home filled with struggles, sadness, and great love.
When Ben was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing cancer, at the age of two, his life was changed forever. After chemotherapy and enucleation of both eyes, Ben began “clicking”. Much to his family’s surprise, Ben had the ability to use echolocation to do what sighted children do: run, climb trees, ride bikes, skateboard, and even surf!
I was deeply touched by Echoes of an Angel, and the powerful story it told, of how God never leaves us, but is faithful, working in every detail of our lives, no matter how dark or painful the moment we are in. However, I must admit that I was uncomfortable with a recurring dream described in the book that referenced a conversation with Ben following his death. We as Christians must be very careful with what we believe concerning dreams, visions, and communication with the dead, and we see that God does not approve of communication with the dead (1 Samuel 28:15-19; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14; Luke 16:27-31).
Overall, I found Echoes of an Angel to be a beautiful and inspiring story of God’s faithfulness in one boy’s life, and would give it a “B”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
I was so surprised when I had the opportunity to read and review Echoes of an Angel, the true story of Benjamin Underwood, the young man my friend had told me about those years ago! To say I was thrilled to know more about the story behind the boy with amazing echolocation skills would be an understatement.
From the very first page of Echoes of an Angel, I was touched. The story that Ben’s mother, Aquanetta Gordon, told was at once full of joy and heartbreak.
Born the fourth child of an unwed mother in California, Ben grew up in government housing on welfare, in a home filled with struggles, sadness, and great love.
When Ben was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma, a rapidly developing cancer, at the age of two, his life was changed forever. After chemotherapy and enucleation of both eyes, Ben began “clicking”. Much to his family’s surprise, Ben had the ability to use echolocation to do what sighted children do: run, climb trees, ride bikes, skateboard, and even surf!
I was deeply touched by Echoes of an Angel, and the powerful story it told, of how God never leaves us, but is faithful, working in every detail of our lives, no matter how dark or painful the moment we are in. However, I must admit that I was uncomfortable with a recurring dream described in the book that referenced a conversation with Ben following his death. We as Christians must be very careful with what we believe concerning dreams, visions, and communication with the dead, and we see that God does not approve of communication with the dead (1 Samuel 28:15-19; 1 Chronicles 10:13-14; Luke 16:27-31).
Overall, I found Echoes of an Angel to be a beautiful and inspiring story of God’s faithfulness in one boy’s life, and would give it a “B”.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale Blog Network program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
August 6, 2014
I began reading this book today and finished it today - it was a powerful book, one that pulled me in and kept me flipping - of course I am also sick so that could be another reason. The story is about Ben Underwood and his mother, Aquanetta, an unwed mother of five - her fourth child, Ben, lost his eyes. Ben was diagnosed as having bilateral retinoblastoma - leaving Aquanetta no choice but to have both of her son's removed or have him die of the cancer. Aquanetta is honest about her drug use and promiscous lifestyle, and that God was ultimately able to lift her out of that sin filled life.
While I enjoyed this book quite a lot, there were some things that bothered me - some of the theology seemed very "name it and claim it" in theory, her pastor's wife told her that some other church goers were scared because they thought Ben's eyes were some sort of demonic thing, and there were times that I thought some of her memories are like that of a mom, her son can really do no wrong. She also did openly admit to not following all of the doctor's orders, however I can understand that, as I don't always follow 100% of everything the doctors tell me to do either and who can stay in a house 24-7 for 6 weeks - she took precautions to ensure her son's safety.
While I enjoyed the book, I'd never heard of Ben Underwood, but I also don't watch the Ellen Show and I didn't watch Oprah or read People magazine so the media outlets he was covered in weren't in my sphere. I enjoyed seeing how Aquanetta's faith grew over the years and also how much faith that Ben put in the Lord. I can only pray that when it's my time to go that I am that at peace with my assurance of Heaven. Another word of caution one of Ben's friends relayed a dream she had where Ben talked to her - and so while the book was good - as with all things we need to weigh them against Scripture to make sure that they align and the Bible issues several warnings in regards to the dead and communicating with them.
While I enjoyed this book quite a lot, there were some things that bothered me - some of the theology seemed very "name it and claim it" in theory, her pastor's wife told her that some other church goers were scared because they thought Ben's eyes were some sort of demonic thing, and there were times that I thought some of her memories are like that of a mom, her son can really do no wrong. She also did openly admit to not following all of the doctor's orders, however I can understand that, as I don't always follow 100% of everything the doctors tell me to do either and who can stay in a house 24-7 for 6 weeks - she took precautions to ensure her son's safety.
While I enjoyed the book, I'd never heard of Ben Underwood, but I also don't watch the Ellen Show and I didn't watch Oprah or read People magazine so the media outlets he was covered in weren't in my sphere. I enjoyed seeing how Aquanetta's faith grew over the years and also how much faith that Ben put in the Lord. I can only pray that when it's my time to go that I am that at peace with my assurance of Heaven. Another word of caution one of Ben's friends relayed a dream she had where Ben talked to her - and so while the book was good - as with all things we need to weigh them against Scripture to make sure that they align and the Bible issues several warnings in regards to the dead and communicating with them.
August 11, 2014
Echoes Of An Angel: The Miraculous True Story Of A Boy Who Lost His Eyes But Could Still See is an extremely unique book. This is a true story about Ben and his mom, Aquanetta. The description reads: "When Ben Underwood became blind at the age of two, anyone would have thought he faced a life full of hardship and uphill challenges—a world full of things he’d never be able to see and activities he’d never be able to enjoy. But as far as his mom, Aquanetta Gordon, was concerned, nothing was impossible for Ben . . . and so he accomplished the incredible. Known as “the boy who could see with sound,” Ben mastered human echolocation—the ability to detect the size, shape and location of objects through the reflection of sound waves. By clicking his tongue and “seeing” the waves, Ben could ride his bike, shoot baskets, identify objects, and even play video games. Some called it a miracle, but to Ben and Aqua, the real miracles were the otherworldly experiences God gave Ben—physical and spiritual—that others couldn’t explain. Echoes of an Angel is the remarkable true story of how a child who seemed destined for darkness brought light to the world. It’s the story of a single mom who encouraged her son to push beyond his limits, even as her heart clenched with protective love and fear. And it’s the story of a family’s unshakable faith . . . in God and each other."
This story stretched belief at times, if everything happened exactly as stated, it truly was a miraculous story. There was a bit of name it and claim it theology present which I was leery of, but the story itself was heartwarming and very touching. Aquanetta was very honest about her previous lifestyle of sin and it was a great story about a life redeemed by God. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading touching memoirs and stories of miracles.
This story stretched belief at times, if everything happened exactly as stated, it truly was a miraculous story. There was a bit of name it and claim it theology present which I was leery of, but the story itself was heartwarming and very touching. Aquanetta was very honest about her previous lifestyle of sin and it was a great story about a life redeemed by God. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading touching memoirs and stories of miracles.
March 25, 2020
Amazing story and very inspirational on how Ben overcame his disability. Awesome mother, too.
August 17, 2014
I don’t know how I missed Ben Underwood’s story a few years back when it was in the news, on the internet, and on several talk shows, but I’m glad I found it this week in his mother’s new book, Echoes of an Angel. I just finished reading this amazing story of his life, as told by Ben’s mother, Aquanetta Gordon.
In a way, Echoes of an Angel is really Aquanetta’s story as it was impacted by raising Ben. It’s her testimony of God’s care for her and her family, of God’s work in her life and the lives of her children through all the circumstances they experienced. These experiences became extraordinary once Ben came on the scene.
For those who don’t know, Ben Underwood lost his eyes to cancer as a toddler. He taught himself to see, though, using echolocation. With Aquanetta’s encouragement, and often determined stands on his behalf, Ben learned to ride a bike, play video games, wrestle, and play basketball. He even gave driving and surfing a try. Echoes of an Angel tells how God used his life, is still using his life, in fact, to encourage people all over the world.
I’m happy to recommend this book which I obtained on my own and am now choosing to review for credit in Tyndale’s Summer Reading Program. This true story is a powerful testimony.
In a way, Echoes of an Angel is really Aquanetta’s story as it was impacted by raising Ben. It’s her testimony of God’s care for her and her family, of God’s work in her life and the lives of her children through all the circumstances they experienced. These experiences became extraordinary once Ben came on the scene.
For those who don’t know, Ben Underwood lost his eyes to cancer as a toddler. He taught himself to see, though, using echolocation. With Aquanetta’s encouragement, and often determined stands on his behalf, Ben learned to ride a bike, play video games, wrestle, and play basketball. He even gave driving and surfing a try. Echoes of an Angel tells how God used his life, is still using his life, in fact, to encourage people all over the world.
I’m happy to recommend this book which I obtained on my own and am now choosing to review for credit in Tyndale’s Summer Reading Program. This true story is a powerful testimony.
July 3, 2014
Echoes of an Angel is a mind-captivating memoir about Ben Underwood whom lost his eyesight at the age of 2 due to retinal cancer. His mother was a strong woman who taught Ben that he could “see” anything he wanted to and she found a way to make sure that Ben grew up like any other child. Because of his mother’s devotion, Ben learned to “see” using echolocation and was able to do things that no one thought was possible such as surf, walk without the use of a cane, and even drive. Ben’s story is remarkable also because he had a special sight from God and was able to see things of the heart that many cannot. As Ben grew up, he became well-known and popular and talked on famous talk shows where he became an inspiration to many who heard him speak. I found this story to be very entertaining and I really was amazed at how God used Ben during his lifetime. Ben’s memoir is a great testimony because his story is a reminder of how something tragic can be used for good when people trust God.
August 11, 2014
The boy with no fear
I saw videos about Ben before I read this book and was inspired then. This book was made available on my ebook emailing and I downloaded it not realizing it was the same boy. Ben's mother is just as inspiring as Ben was in life. Every mother needs to read this book to understand that with faith life is bearable and even blessed beyond imagination. Aqua made the most of a horrible situation and gave a life to Ben that is unbelievable. Ben in turn gave the same back and more. Ben was a true servant of God. Read this book to know that God creates us in his image and knows the struggles we can handle. Ben surely had a struggle but you would never had guessed it because God gave him the will and drive to conquer the world.
I saw videos about Ben before I read this book and was inspired then. This book was made available on my ebook emailing and I downloaded it not realizing it was the same boy. Ben's mother is just as inspiring as Ben was in life. Every mother needs to read this book to understand that with faith life is bearable and even blessed beyond imagination. Aqua made the most of a horrible situation and gave a life to Ben that is unbelievable. Ben in turn gave the same back and more. Ben was a true servant of God. Read this book to know that God creates us in his image and knows the struggles we can handle. Ben surely had a struggle but you would never had guessed it because God gave him the will and drive to conquer the world.
October 3, 2016
For me, the second half of the book was stronger than the first. It was interesting to learn about Ben at school and the world travel and other experiences he had one his story got out. The earlier part wasn't terrible. It is helpful to know his family's background and his mom's matter of fact approach to parenting him probably did him a great service. What wasn't my cup of tea was the heavy heavy God talk. I expected it, because it is a Christian book. To be honest if this hadn't been part of the Sync Audiobook giveaway for 2015 I would have skipped it just because of the heavy religious tone.
Paired with
in the 2015 SYNC Audiobook giveaway.
Paired with
in the 2015 SYNC Audiobook giveaway.
February 20, 2017
https://www.amazon.com/Echoes-Angel-M.... A must read. Really. You cant go wrong with this book if you like Christian lit.
May 6, 2014
An amazing kid, Ben did so much with the little time he had. I've actually never seen any of the videos of him, maybe I will have to look for them on YouTube.
August 15, 2014
Too much about Mom. Not enough about the son.
July 29, 2015
While Ben was a remarkable young man, I did not find this memoir particularly compelling. I may recommend to readers looking for something more religious/spiritual.
September 24, 2024
Live, before you die!
I have an 18yr old Grandson, he was left blind due to a brain tumor ... He and his younger brother live with us!
He came to our home after being with his Great Grandmother. She has them both soon after his operation.
Aidans ' parents were drug addicts... my daughter and her ( now ex ) husband were told that Aidan was having problems with his sight. There way to cure that problem was to move to new school district's. First to a near by school then to Texas ( where John, his father was from ).
They continued to use drugs. Again they were told his sight was failing ...when they moved back to PA, where we lived.
My mother called us one day and said " the boys would get on the bus at her house, and off the bus at ours ... school bus that is. We did as much as we could to get ready to have our grandson live here with us.
A few months later my mother passed away due to a rare blood Cancer. When she died, she had cut me from her will, I found both of of my brothers (one older and one younger) got everything seems ...she had signed the family home and land, to my older brother and his wife, she left them rich and they have were happy. My you.get brother also got financially set for life. My husband and I have the boys, we are doing our best to raise happy 2 boys! We get no help from family. My older brother and my husba.d do not speak ... I call my younger brother on holidays.
I need to say another thing about Aidan, not only is he weightless, he also had a stroke during that surgery. His left side barely works. He has begun to have seizures.
Aidan, was mainstream in school until he moved to the high school. To our dismay he was placed with other students who have disabilities. It seems he has been "dumped down" by the school system. That has made us work even harder .
Aidan had dreams of going to college and to help blind students. We don't honestly don't know how to get him to that point ... he is amazing! But we worry ... Will he be able?
Aidan, is an outstanding person! He knows so can y people in our town ... many of them I don't know! 3He can't hear a voice and knows who they are !
He was seen on the local news for being voted on a news segment called , " Heres looking at you Kid " it was a good interview and my people in town saw the segment on T.V.
He is very strong in his faith, never asked Why Me, and he fills so many lives with his love and inspiration!
His mom see the boys from time to time and the boys go to Texas to be with their after and Grandmother. They enjoy that time so much.
Their mom, is currently clean and is attending Fortis Instatute, she is 31 and she is doing amazing. I'm proud of watch she has done for herself. Please, let her be happy with her choice ... so many years stuck in the drug situation, she has come out the other side, she lived to tell!
My husband a.d I are still trying to help these 2 boys.
Aidan, loves people, Caleb ( his younger brother ) has many issues ... anger being the hardest to deal with. He is seeing a new therapy person who had diagnosed him with ADHD and DMDD. He's 12 now and getting taller and muscular.We hope he will be able to learn he is different,
and become more able to see the anger coming and learn to stop it ... it's been very hard for too many years!
We still struggle, as of now we have no night nurse, so we are taking turns getting up around midnight, helping Aidan get out of bed so he can urinate and hoping he is dry. At 18 he is still unable to control urination during the time he sleeps. We change hi diaper, clean the bed and have him spray that helps keep him dry, sometime ...
They are not ours, they are in our custody ... we've them both, they are our grandchildren. No matter what we are here for them.
P.S. I am Grandma Cheri, age 61, my husband is Poppy, age husband is 75. We are not like other children and Caleb is often upset about our age. Other kids have younger parents .... you have younger parents too ... they were addicts. We are your grandparents. Other Children visit their grandparents then they go home ... this is your home!
Life will have many more trials, for now the boys are safe with a roof over their head and a warm house to live in, they have food and drinks, they have showers and clean clothes ... and they have us! One say they my be with their parents, even part tme will let us breath and relax ...if not well we will get them out of school, into college and on there own. Living like they are meant to live ..., one child at a time living a happy life!
Still, it will not be easy, maybe they will find someone to work nights, maybe not ... whatever happens, they have us.
They are loved!
We will do what we must do, because no one else should be caring for them but family ... We are family, a real family.
... Life is not fair ... Live it anyway ... we are with you!
I have an 18yr old Grandson, he was left blind due to a brain tumor ... He and his younger brother live with us!
He came to our home after being with his Great Grandmother. She has them both soon after his operation.
Aidans ' parents were drug addicts... my daughter and her ( now ex ) husband were told that Aidan was having problems with his sight. There way to cure that problem was to move to new school district's. First to a near by school then to Texas ( where John, his father was from ).
They continued to use drugs. Again they were told his sight was failing ...when they moved back to PA, where we lived.
My mother called us one day and said " the boys would get on the bus at her house, and off the bus at ours ... school bus that is. We did as much as we could to get ready to have our grandson live here with us.
A few months later my mother passed away due to a rare blood Cancer. When she died, she had cut me from her will, I found both of of my brothers (one older and one younger) got everything seems ...she had signed the family home and land, to my older brother and his wife, she left them rich and they have were happy. My you.get brother also got financially set for life. My husband and I have the boys, we are doing our best to raise happy 2 boys! We get no help from family. My older brother and my husba.d do not speak ... I call my younger brother on holidays.
I need to say another thing about Aidan, not only is he weightless, he also had a stroke during that surgery. His left side barely works. He has begun to have seizures.
Aidan, was mainstream in school until he moved to the high school. To our dismay he was placed with other students who have disabilities. It seems he has been "dumped down" by the school system. That has made us work even harder .
Aidan had dreams of going to college and to help blind students. We don't honestly don't know how to get him to that point ... he is amazing! But we worry ... Will he be able?
Aidan, is an outstanding person! He knows so can y people in our town ... many of them I don't know! 3He can't hear a voice and knows who they are !
He was seen on the local news for being voted on a news segment called , " Heres looking at you Kid " it was a good interview and my people in town saw the segment on T.V.
He is very strong in his faith, never asked Why Me, and he fills so many lives with his love and inspiration!
His mom see the boys from time to time and the boys go to Texas to be with their after and Grandmother. They enjoy that time so much.
Their mom, is currently clean and is attending Fortis Instatute, she is 31 and she is doing amazing. I'm proud of watch she has done for herself. Please, let her be happy with her choice ... so many years stuck in the drug situation, she has come out the other side, she lived to tell!
My husband a.d I are still trying to help these 2 boys.
Aidan, loves people, Caleb ( his younger brother ) has many issues ... anger being the hardest to deal with. He is seeing a new therapy person who had diagnosed him with ADHD and DMDD. He's 12 now and getting taller and muscular.We hope he will be able to learn he is different,
and become more able to see the anger coming and learn to stop it ... it's been very hard for too many years!
We still struggle, as of now we have no night nurse, so we are taking turns getting up around midnight, helping Aidan get out of bed so he can urinate and hoping he is dry. At 18 he is still unable to control urination during the time he sleeps. We change hi diaper, clean the bed and have him spray that helps keep him dry, sometime ...
They are not ours, they are in our custody ... we've them both, they are our grandchildren. No matter what we are here for them.
P.S. I am Grandma Cheri, age 61, my husband is Poppy, age husband is 75. We are not like other children and Caleb is often upset about our age. Other kids have younger parents .... you have younger parents too ... they were addicts. We are your grandparents. Other Children visit their grandparents then they go home ... this is your home!
Life will have many more trials, for now the boys are safe with a roof over their head and a warm house to live in, they have food and drinks, they have showers and clean clothes ... and they have us! One say they my be with their parents, even part tme will let us breath and relax ...if not well we will get them out of school, into college and on there own. Living like they are meant to live ..., one child at a time living a happy life!
Still, it will not be easy, maybe they will find someone to work nights, maybe not ... whatever happens, they have us.
They are loved!
We will do what we must do, because no one else should be caring for them but family ... We are family, a real family.
... Life is not fair ... Live it anyway ... we are with you!
April 11, 2018
I received this as part of the Sync Audiofile program. It's not likely I would have selected it myself. Although I found Ben's story, and his ability to use echo-location, inspiring, I couldn't help thinking about what was left out of the book. My mind kept wandering to the details of daily life - how was the family supporting itself financially, especially when Ms. Gordon took time off work for Ben's medical procedures and travel. Who paid for the medical bills for Ben's surgeries and treatments? Who paid the rent?
I also found the God talk to be off-putting although I believe in God, and I've read the Bible. I tend to distrust people who insist they are acting according to God's will. So much evil has been done by those who claim to be doing "God's will" that I find it hard to accept that anyone can really know what God's will is.
I also found the God talk to be off-putting although I believe in God, and I've read the Bible. I tend to distrust people who insist they are acting according to God's will. So much evil has been done by those who claim to be doing "God's will" that I find it hard to accept that anyone can really know what God's will is.
March 1, 2021
Such a touching glimpse into a very different life from mine. It begins with a mom who loves her kids fiercely enough to overcome a life of addictions. One of her children becomes completely blind after a journey of cancer. Her son shows amazing skills that help him overcome to an extraordinary degree. This brings him to platforms like Oprah and Ellen and lots of news articles. He carries his Christian testimony with him, bringing peace and hope to those around him as Christ brought it to him. The end of the story is an even more amazing testimony and a tear jerker.
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July 15, 2017Watch this (link at bottom), mom doesn't seem to be nearly as bad a person as people are saying. Ben doesn't want to use the cane , she tries to convince him. Ben thinks he cAn sense traffic well enough (he is good) and she lies and says the school rout with traffic is longer when it's not. She loves him. He seems so well adjusted. She did good if even by using controversial methods !!! https://youtu.be/Wby1CIhnYWI
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2023
A truly remarkable story of the power of faith, courage, perseverance, and positive thinking to make the most of this boy's life and helping him reach his true potential. The story of his mother also reflects on the ability of one to change, grow, and begin again and again in the struggle to find success and happiness.
August 30, 2024
This book is much too religious for my taste. I was hoping for more about the son, Ben, but the first part is all about the mother. I just couldn’t finish it. I know about Ben Underwood’s use of echolocation and felt it wasn’t safe for him. As a teacher in the blindness field, I always felt Ben was resistant to tools to keep him safe. This is a book I can’t recommend for anyone.
September 14, 2020
Ben was like an angel on earth and a true example of God’s love.
When I am moved by an author’s story I sometimes check out their social media. Disappointing...& NOT Christlike. However my rating is for the telling of a sweet kid who seemed to have touched many lives in his short life.
When I am moved by an author’s story I sometimes check out their social media. Disappointing...& NOT Christlike. However my rating is for the telling of a sweet kid who seemed to have touched many lives in his short life.
October 12, 2024
I learned from Ben that "True vision doesn't come from the eyes but from the soul" even if we have flaws (which reminds & makes us human) faith will always guide and protect us. Nothing is impossible with God - Luke 1:37
August 13, 2017
Uplifting and touching story of a boy who lost his eyes but was still able to "see" using echo-location.
August 22, 2017
Refreshing story
I like stories about angels. This story has suspence and hope. She tells it like it is with out trying too sound like a hero.
I like stories about angels. This story has suspence and hope. She tells it like it is with out trying too sound like a hero.
March 19, 2018
awesome
May 24, 2018
Very inspirational and heart warming! Ben’s mother is a wonderful person who was able to see God’s hand in all of this. What a wonderful testimony!
February 27, 2020
Beautiful and touching story.
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